China's third Dongdiao-class intelligence gathering vessel, Neptune (852), was commissioned into the PLAN's South Sea Fleet on 26 December 2015. Source: via PLA Daily
David Axe, Daily Beast: China Launches a New High-Tech Spy Ship
Neptune, the newly unveiled Type 815 surveillance vessel, is the latest addition to Beijing’s growing fleet—which has been deployed far and wide in recent years.
The Chinese navy has just commissioned a new high-tech spy ship—at least its fourth since 1999.
The Type 815 surveillance vessel Neptune, featuring sensitive electronic listening devices, could help Beijing further improve its already impressive ability to gather intelligence on its rivals, in particular the U.S. Navy.
China’s state media announced the Neptune’s Dec. 26 commissioning two days after the ceremony, which reportedly took place at an undisclosed naval base on the South China Sea. Neptune “is able to conduct continuous all-weather reconnaissance of various targets within a certain range,” explained PLA Daily, the official publication of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Update: China commissions three vessels into South Sea Fleet (IHS Jane's 360)
WNU Editor: I suspect that this ship will be sailing off the coast of Hawaii and the western U.S. coastline very soon.